The transformation of the Los Angeles Lakers this season has been powered largely by the rapid connection between Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, a pairing that has flourished both on the court and away from it.
Despite concerns that two ball-dominant guards might struggle to coexist, Doncic and Reaves have instead emerged as one of the leagues most productive backcourts, each playing at an All-Star level. Reaves recently opened up about how quickly the relationship formed, speaking with Dave McMenamin of ESPN.
I saw that we had I dont love saying this many similarities in how we like to compete in all different things, Reaves said. Not just basketball. Whatever. Cards, bowling, darts which he hasnt beaten me at either.
That competitiveness, Reaves believes, has translated directly into their on-court chemistry.
We act like were probably 10-year old best friends, Reaves said. You have a deeper care for one another than just basketball. And then that bleeds into basketball, because you dont want to let that person down. You dont want to not give it your all.
From Doncics perspective, the partnership has felt seamless from the start.
We kind of understand each other what the other is going to do, Doncic said. So I would say its a little bit natural.
The dynamic hasnt gone unnoticed by head coach JJ Redick, who highlighted their shared edge and trash-talking tendencies.
I think its in a really healthy place, Redick said. I think what they realized early in the preseason, I dont know if it was the first road trip or the second one that we went on, but they both realized that they both enjoy talking trash a lot. And their personalities in that regard are very similar so they can sort of create a little bit of chemistry with each other just by being their natural selves.
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